Here is a helpful comparison featured in Dr. Wilson’s book “Legal Guidelines For Unlicensed Practitioners” which compares the licensed practitioner to the certified, unlicensed practitioner: [this book is probably available on amazon.com and other similar sites]
licensing: permission to perform an activity
certification: statement of completion or meeting a standard [established by a private school]
licensing: mandatory to perform the activity
certification: voluntary
licensing: involves the police power of the government
certification: does not involve the police power of the government
licensing: presumes that working is a privilege. establishment of licensing shifts from the activity from a right to a privilege
certification: presumes that working [as a practitioner] is a right
licensing: the privilege or benefit is given and may be withdrawn at any time by the issuing agency
certification: certification may be withdrawn at any time by the private issuing agency. however, this does not stop one from working [as a practitioner]
licensing: increases the power of the government, and reduces the power and freedom of consumers and practitioners
certification: preserves and enhances the power of the individual consumer to decide the practitioner of his [or her] choice
licensing: the purpose is to restrict entry and strictly control the profession or activity
certification: the purpose is mainly to inform and educate